Brandlbracke: An Austrian Hound with a Nose for Hunting!

The Brandlbracke is an Austrian dog breed that is considered a descendent of the Celtic Hound. Known for hunting silently, it is also called the Austrian Black and Tan Hound, the Austrian Smooth-haired Hound, and the Osterreichischer Glat Thaariger Bracke. This dog breed is used to scent, track, hunt and retrieve game.

Brandlbrackes possess a short, thick, shiny coat, long ears and a broad chest. Coat color is generally black and tan or red. Its sleek dark coat with slight markings of bright red give the breed its name (“brand” means fire in German). Like many hound breeds, the tail is carried high while hunting. Brandlbrackes are considered a high-spirited, swift and agile dog with an excellent sense of smell, all which help it to hunt a variety of game, including hare and fox.

Because of their hunting heritage, these dogs need plenty of exercise. Jogging, hiking, agility and other activities suit Brandlbrackes well. They are built for endurance and not recommended for apartment life. These high-energy dogs require large amounts of daily, energetic exercise and room to run and play outside, but they should be properly secured with a fenced yard and supervised by their owners (because of their eagerness to chase, they will scent and follow just about anything!). Be prepared: this breed is prone to digging!

Grooming is generally easy due to the short, denseness of the dog’s coat. Brushing once or twice a week and the occasional bath will usually suffice. The ears should be cleaned regularly to avoid ear infections. A fairly healthy, long-lived breed, a Brandlbracke often lives 12 to 15 years. Some dogs have been known to have hip dysplasia, arthritis, and progressive retinal atrophy (PRA).

Brandlbrackes are intelligent and very affectionate toward their owners. They are happy, outgoing and friendly dogs that are eager to please their people. They are usually very good with children. These dogs are also alert and very trainable. They can be barkers, making them good watchdogs… or annoying neighbors!

These dogs stand 18 to 23 inches (46 to 58 cm) tall and generally weigh 33 to 49 pounds (15 to 22 kg). They are quite popular in Austria but rare outside its native country. The American Kennel Club (AKC) does not recognize the breed even though it’s existed in Austria since the 17th century. Known for their silent trailing and ability to work a cold scent, these hounds are still prized by hunters in Europe.

The Brandlbracke is a loyal dog with a nose for hunting that also serves as a wonderful family pet.